The Paralympic Games: A Showcase of Extraordinary Abilities

Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

The Paralympic Games stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes who overcome physical challenges to compete at the highest level. Originally known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, they were first held in 1948 as a way to rehabilitate injured World War II veterans.

Today, the Paralympics have grown into a global sporting event that celebrates the abilities of athletes with disabilities. It showcases a wide range of sports, from athletics and swimming to cycling and wheelchair basketball.

A Comprehensive List of Paralympic Sports

Para Athletics

• Track and field events
• Road running
• Race walking

Para Swimming

• Freestyle
• Breaststroke
• Butterfly

According to the International Paralympic Committee, there are 28 official Paralympic sports for the 2020 Tokyo Games:

Para Cycling

• Road cycling
• Track cycling

Para Wheelchair Basketball

A fast-paced, competitive sport played on a basketball court.

Para Wheelchair Rugby

A physical contact sport that combines elements of basketball, rugby, and hockey.

Para Table Tennis

A racquet sport played on a table with a net.

Para Archery

The art of shooting arrows at a target from various distances.

Para Shooting

A sport that involves marksmanship with various firearms.

Para Boccia

A precision ball game similar to lawn bowls.

Para Equestrian

Involves horse riding in various disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and para-equestrian eventing.

Para Judo

A combat sport that uses grappling and throws.

Para Powerlifting

A strength sport that involves lifting weights.

Para Sailing

A water sport that involves racing boats.

Para Rowing

A team sport that involves propelling a boat through water using oars.

Para Triathlon

A multi-sport event consisting of swimming, cycling, and running.

Para Volleyball

A team sport played on a court with a net.

Para Football 5-a-side

A football game played on a smaller pitch with five players per team.

Para Football 7-a-side

A football game played on a larger pitch with seven players per team.

Para Blind Football

A football game played by athletes who are blind or visually impaired.

Para Goalball

A team sport played by visually impaired athletes using a ball with bells.

Para Ice Hockey

A team sport played on an ice rink with sledges.

Para Ice Sledge Hockey

A team sport played on an ice rink with sledges.

Para Snowboarding

A snowsport that involves sliding down a slope on a board.

Para Alpine Skiing

A snowsport that involves skiing down a mountain slope.